MP supports calls for urgent reform of the care system

23rd June 2011
Care in Crisis: MP supports calls for urgent reform of the care system

Local MP, Gordon Henderson has pledged his support for Age UK's Crisis in Care campaign calling for the care system to be reformed to ensure older people receive care which meets their needs.

Age UK research shows that 800,000 older people in England who currently need care receive no formal support from either the state or private agencies. That figure may well rise to one million older people over the next four years as a result of estimated cuts to social care budgets.

Mr Henderson is supporting Age UK’s Care in Crisis Campaign by signing a Motion in Parliament to urge the Government to commit to positive reform of the current system of social care, and increase essential funding for older people with care needs.

Michelle Mitchell, Age UK’s Charity Director said, “Care and support for older people has reached breaking point, putting older people at risk and their families under intolerable strain.

“We are delighted that Gordon Henderson MP is backing our campaign. In early July the independent Dilnot Commission will publish recommendations for the future funding of social care. This is a vital opportunity to improve both funding and provision for older peoples’ care that we must not miss. Together we can improve older people’s care locally and nationally.”